Virtually all aspects of a MineARC Refuge Chamber or Safe Haven design can be customised by our in-house team of engineers, including; dimensions, structural integrity, volume, occupancy and minimum entrapment duration.

MineARC offers a range of options and upgrades based on industry and application.

MineARC airlocks and vestibules are designed to act as a staging area between the enclosed protection of the chamber and the outside environment.

They feature positive pressure flushing systems that ensure the out-flow of air; preventing the ingress of contaminants while the door is open for entry. The Positive Pressure Flushing System (PPFS) provides high speed pressurisation and is activated via a simple electric push-button system.

MineARC offers a range of internal and external vestibule solutions designed to suit a wide variety of applications and entry requirements.

INTERNAL AIRLOCKS & VESTIBULES

Designed as a structural modification to the chamber shell, the internal airlock/vestibule provides a seamless entry way into the main chamber, while retaining portability of the unit as a whole. This also ensures coherent structural integrity and protection across the chamber.

EXTERNAL AIRLOCKS & VESTIBULES

MineARC external airlocks and vestibules are more suited to scenarios where direct access from an existing mine space or building door frame to the chamber is required. The airlock/vestibule can be custom-made to measure, ensuring an air-tight access point for personnel to move safely between site and the chamber during an emergency without the risk of exposure to external atmospheric hazards.

MineARC external airlocks and vestibules may also be retro-fitted to pre-exisiting chambers upon request.

An optional feature of both the internal and external airlock/vestibule is a door activation locking system; enforcing that one door is locked shut at any one time during entry. This ensures no chance of accidental exposure to the external atmosphere whilst the main chamber door is open.

MineARC offers a range of additional airlock/vestibule options and custom features, dependent on site specifications and requirements.

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An optional feature for all MineARC Refuge Chambers and Safe Havens is a blast rating upgrade.

MineARC utilises highly specialised materials and engineering techniques to build chambers that can withstand the concussive forces of extreme blasts and explosions within heavy industry. Through careful analysis of a site’s application and hazard assessment, MineARC can engineer a highly customised refuge chamber or safe haven to meet their specific blast rating requirements.– More information

Most MineARC Chambers offer a 5psi blast rating as standard, however can be upgraded to a rating as high as 12psi, based on client requirements. A blast rating upgrade includes the following:

Additional 100mm x 50mm upright stiffeners

Additional lateral stiffners

Fully enclosed rear housing for componentry protection

THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION

MineARC has the engineering capabilities to perform in-house blast analysis calculations on all refuge chambers and safe havens. In addition, third party testing can be performed by professional blast engineers at an additional cost.

As part of an in-depth analyses, third party blast engineers will develop building damage level (BDL) curves in order to test the performance of a MineARC chamber, taking into consideration the orientation of the unit with respect the the explosion source.

In addition, blast engineers can also calculate the occupant vulnerability (OV); the percentage of personnel within the chamber that could sustain fatal injuries at different levels of building damage.

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MineARC can provide structural additions to a refuge chamber or safe haven in order to provide blast shield protection for susceptible components.

This added protection prevents damage to areas of the chamber that either provide life support (such as air conditioning and mine air filtration) or components that, if damaged, will compromise the breathing integrity of the chamber (such as the portal window). – More information

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MineARC pressure systems are designed to help maintain a safe, breathable atmosphere within the refuge chamber.

Systems include the Pressurised Access Safety System (PASS) to ensure safe entry into the refuge chamber, and the Positive Pressure Maintenance System (PPMS) to maintain positive internal pressure within the chamber. – More information

PRESSURISED ACCESS SAFETY SYSTEM (PASS)

The Pressurised Access Safety System (PASS) remote activation unit is located next to the door on the front exterior of the refuge, allowing personnel to prepare the chamber for safe entry.

Should the chamber’s fresh (mine) air supply be disconnected or compromised, the system’s external LED light will display red, indicating that the chamber is not positively pressurised and therefore unsafe for entry.

Once activated, the PASS will disperse controlled quantities of compressed air into the chamber until the internal pressure reaches 200 Pa. By ensuring that the pressure inside the refuge is slightly greater than outside, toxic contaminants are prevented from infiltrating the chamber during entry of personnel.

POSITIVE PRESSURE MAINTENANCE SYSTEM (PPMS)

The Positive Pressure Maintenance System (PPMS) enclosure is securely mounted to the interior wall of the refuge chamber. Powered by a 24VDC power supply, the electric solenoid valve opens and closes to release measured amounts of breathable air from compressed air cylinders in order to maintain a positive internal pressure.

The quantity of compressed breathable air cylinders is configurable to suit various internal volumes and durations of operation.

MineARC TunnelSAFE Refuge Chambers offer the PASS and PPMS as standard features, however all other refuge chambers can be upgraded to include the systems.

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The Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) is a breathable air system that is unique to the market; offering a range of features aimed at reducing running costs and improving operational safety during an emergency.

Aside from providing clean breathable air through a superior four-phase filtration process, some of the major benefits of CAMS include; optimisation of mine air services, guarantee against over pressurisation of the refuge chamber, gas toxicity monitoring, flood protection, and reduced service time during filter change-out.

MineARC’s new Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) marks the beginning of a new era in refuge chamber technology. This ground breaking piece of equipment was launched in July 2015, after more than a year of research, development and testing conducted by MineARC’s engineering team.

MAJOR BENEFITS

Faster service time

Flood Protection Valve for automatic mine air shut off in the event of water ingress

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The MineARC Automated Oxygen Delivery System (AODS) is designed to maintain a safe, breathable atmosphere within the refuge chamber.

Once the system is activated, the AODS disperses metered amounts of Oxygen supplied by a compressed Oxygen cylinder. The AODS maintains Oxygen levels between 18.5% and 23% inside the refuge when the external fresh air supply has been compromised or is unavailable. – More information

The AODS is designed for fully automated, hands-free operation once the system is activated. Powered by a hard-wired 24 VDC power supply, a digital gas monitor continuously measures the oxygen levels inside the refuge and controls the flow rate accordingly.

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The MineARC Series IV Electrical Scrubbing System is considered to be the most advanced safe refuge technology in the world. The Series IV boasts all of the improvements of the Series III system, plus a host of additional features including a superior digital control system and intelligent voice audio navigation (i.V.A.N).

All MineARC refuge chambers and safe havens currently installed with a Series I, II or III scrubber can be upgraded to a Series IV control system. MineARC technicians can also retro-fit most non- MineARC chambers with the Series IV.

KEY FEATURES

i.V.A.N.

The digital controller interface is the operational hub of the refuge chamber. From here all power, lighting and scrubbing systems can be managed with the push of a button.Exclusive to the MineARC Series IV Control System, i.V.A.N (intelligent voice audio navigation) represents a breakthrough in safe-refuge technology. i.V.A.N is the onboard navigation assistant that guides occupants through operational procedures.The system can also be programmed in virtually any language; useful for international operations where more than one language is spoken on site.

MARCISORB Chemical Cartridges

The MineARC Series IV Scrubbing System uses pre-packaged MARCISORB chemical absorber cartridges, an improved alternative to the traditional free-pour chemicals found in earlier scrubbing systems models. MineARC’s MARCISORB CO2 and MARCISORB CO cartridges provide superior scrubbing capacity, are easy to load, safe to handle, and can store for long periods.The use of chemical cartridges also translates to noticeable cost savings over the life of the chamber when compared to free-pour methods.

STANDARD FEATURES

MARCISORB Chemical Cartridges

MineARC’s MARCISORB CO2 and MARCISORB CO cartridges provide superior scrubbing capacity, are easy to load, safe to handle, and can store for long periods.

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Storage

Storage for operating procedures within scrubber.

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Docking Stations

Docking stations for digital gas monitor and air con remote.

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Series IV Controller Interface

The digital controller interface is the operational hub of the refuge chamber. From here, all power, lighting & scrubbing systems can be managed with the push of a button.

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Isolation Switch

Battery UPS isolation switch.

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Motion Sensor

Motion sensor and SD card slot.

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Vent

Scrubber flow air vent

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SCRUBBING SYSTEM COMPARISON

Considered the most advanced safe refuge technology in the world, MineARC recommends the Series IV upgrade as the most cost efficient and beneficial long term solution if you are looking to improve the cost effectiveness and operation of your chamber.

However, if you currently own a combination of Series I, II and III chambers and do not wish to invest in a site-wide upgrade, we would recommend a Series I/II to III upgrade on all applicable chambers . Not only will this achieve consistency across your site in regards to spare parts, servicing and training, but you will also benefit from many improved features that are available in the Series III control system and allow you the option of a Plenum upgrade if desired.

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MineARC’s unique ELVP/ELV (extra-low-voltage) Scrubbing System works in conjunction with active chemicals to ‘scrub’ the build-up of harmful CO2 and CO from the air inside the refuge chamber.

The ELVP/ELV represents six years of technological advancements to the original PLP (powerless portable) scrubbing system, in a safer, more reliable design.– More information

KEY FEATURES

Extra-Low Voltage Controller

The ELVP/ELV digital controller interface is the operational hub of the refuge chamber. From here all power, lighting and scrubbing systems can be managed with the flick of a switch.

MARCISORB Chemical Cartridges

The MineARC ELVP/ELV Scrubbing System uses pre-packaged MARCISORB chemical absorber cartridges. MineARC’s MARCISORB CO2 and MARCISORB CO cartridges provide superior scrubbing capacity, are easy to load, safe to handle, and can store for long periods. The use of chemical cartridges also translates to noticeable cost savings over the life of the chamber when compared to older methods.

ELVP Dual Battery Bank

The ELVP (extra-low-voltage-powerless) system features a unique dual UPS battery bank configuration that enables the chamber to sit standalone from mains power for extended durations. When on ‘standby’ the refuge chamber’s external strobe lights and siren will still operate, alerting personnel to the refuge chamber’s position. When the chamber is used in an emergency situation, the ‘primary’ battery bank is activated; powering the refuge chamber’s entire life support systems for a minimum of 36 hours.

STANDARD FEATURES

ELVP Digital Controller Interface

The digital controller interface is the operational hub of the refuge chamber. From here, all power, lighting & scrubbing systems can be managed with the push of a button.

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MARCISORB Chemical Cartridges

MineARC’s MARCISORB CO2 and MARCISORB CO cartridges provide superior scrubbing capacity, are easy to load, safe to handle, and can store for long periods.

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ELVP Scrubbing System

Scrubs the build up of harmful CO2 and CO from the air inside the refuge chamber.

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Vent

Scrubber flow air vent.

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Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is vital to combat the potentially fatal effects of heat stress, caused by the occupant’s metabolic activity, as well as any ambient heat .

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Developed specifically for the CoalSAFE range, the unique MARCis (MineARC Air Refuge Chamber intrinsically safe) system provides both a powerless CO2 / CO scrubber, as well as a powerless air conditioning system. – More information

KEY FEATURES

POWERLESS CO2 & CO SCRUBBING

MineARC’s patented carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) MARCis scrubbing system does not require any electrical power to operate. The active chemical scrubbing system is designed to clean the air of these harmful gases and toxins that build up over time within a sealed, occupied environment.

MARCISORB Chemical Cartridges

The MARCis Scrubbing System uses pre-packaged MARCISORB chemical absorber cartridges, an improved alternative to the traditional free-pour chemicals. MineARC’s MARCISORB CO2 and MARCISORB CO cartridges provide superior scrubbing capacity, are easy to load, safe to handle, and can store for long periods.

INTRINSICALLY SAFE AIR CONDITIONING

Independent testing has verified that a cooling system is essential for combating the potentially fatal effects of metabolic heat buildup inside the refuge. To maintain the internal atmosphere of the CoalSAFE, The MARCis incorporates a non electrical air conditioning system that both cools and dehumidifies the refuge.US and Chinese regulations state that manufacturers must specify the maximum mine air temperature under which the refuge is designed to operate when fully occupied, whilst maintaining an internal apparent temperature of 95°F. The CoalSAFE has been successfully tested in
ambient external temperatures above 80°F.

STANDARD FEATURES

MARCISORB Chemical Cartridge Compatability

MineARC’s MARCISORB CO2 and MARCISORB CO cartridges provide superior scrubbing capacity, are easy to load, safe to handle, and can store for long periods.

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MARCis Controller Interface

The controller interface is the operational hub of the refuge chamber.From here, the powerless scrubbing and air conditioning can be managed.

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MARCis Powerless Scrubbing System

Scrubs the build up of harmful CO2 and CO from the air inside the refuge chamber.